Muff's Modules & More

lizlarsen · Last edited by lizlarsen on Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:00 pm; edited 1 time in total

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've started a thread. I just found out how easy it is to use the Eurorack Modular Synth Planner to create crude patch diagrams to share, so I thought it would be a good idea to start sharing some of the more complex LZX Visionary patches I've come up with, and provide a place for you to talk about your own.

I'd love to compile these in a sort of app note/user manual at some point, so consider this thread a rough draft of such a document?

These patches assume you've already read the module documentation available on our website, and move straight to more complex topics (or simple tricks that may not have been obvious).

Please feel free to post your patches!!

lizlarsen · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:00 pm Post subject:

Sweeping Diagonal Sync Generator

Oftentimes it is difficult to break out of the monotony of vertical and horizontal stripes when doing oscillator synthesis -- frequency modulation is one way, but here's a trick to give you a stable diagonal pattern by creating an alternate sync signal for a Video Waveform generator running in video range (above ~15KHz).

This patch uses Video Ramps, Triple Video Fader & Key Generator, and any LFO (optional). In a system without Video Ramps, two more Video Waveform Generators, sync'ed to line and field rates can be used to provide the necessary signals.

Step One
TVFKG's second channel crossfader is used to create a mix between two vertical ramp outputs from Video Ramps. This crossfade is then modulated by an LFO or other modulation source of choice. The resulting mix is then fed into the CV input of TVFKG's first channel. Note: Ideally the incoming LFO signal will be attenuated down to a 1V range.

Step Two
A horizontal ramp from Video Ramps is fed into TVFKG channel 1 as the key source. When the key output is viewed directly, you should see a tilted diagonal field, tilting left to right.

Step Three
The key output of TVFKG channel 1 is fed into the sync input of a Video Waveform Generator running in video rate speeds (top two rotary switch settings.) A VWG output is patched to Color Video Encoder to view the output.

Going Further
Feeding in a video or audio-rate modulation source into the patch instead of the LFO will open up some new potential for shape synthesis.

Notes: Johnny Woods helped me figure this one out. Will try to add a screenshot or two soon.

MrDys · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 11:33 pm Post subject:

Any idea when AH is going to get a shipment of video ramps?

lizlarsen · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 11:35 pm Post subject:

Friday they'll receive the shipment of Video Ramps and Triple Video Processors, but sometimes they can take a few days to get things up for sale.

jhgooday · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:09 am Post subject:

This is awesome I was hoping to get some patch ideas, and I can't wait to pick up a video ramps!

Here's what I have patched right now, I don't really know how to use the triple key generator that well so any suggestions would be appreciated. I have Child's play 3 going through the video in on the VSG. And I have the gate out from my arp omni going into the VWG...

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lizlarsen · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:11 am Post subject:

Nice patch Josh! I'll post a learning series on TVFKG soon. It's a difficult module to get a full grasp on, but definitely the most versatile and powerful processing module we have out right now. The block diagram on the website helps.

8 Key Colorizer Mega-Patch

This patch uses a lot of modules and is just begging to be fed a ton of different modulation sources, but the displayed configuration is minimal, and serves as an example of how you can use a larger system to set up a large, multi-band colorizer.

In this patch, a monochromatic video source is split up into 8 different hard key signals , and the keys are mixed together using two chained Video Blending Matrix modules configured as an RGB Matrix. A channel of Triple Video Processor provides a general gain/bias control over the source signal (while this is an optional step, having this control over the original source after setting up the patch is very handy, and allows you to sum in a modulation source with the original video, like an LFO.)

To adjust the patch, mess with all the key thresholds -- and it's also a good idea to flip half of the key generators to positive and the other half to negative. When mixing the resulting signals using the VBM modules, subtlety is key, mix in just a tiny bit at a time.

Going Further
Feed some of the mix outs and sum them with the original video source for some crazy feedback effects. Try sending different video oscillators or pattern sources (or other cameras) into the CV/modulation inputs. Try summing a slow moving LFO with the original video source. Try feeding the original source video into all Video Blending Matrix rows too, and then subtly mix the keys in to "tint" the original video, rather than just being hard-key sources. Try using the Absolute Mode outputs going to the Color Video Encoder instead of the Sum outputs for some solarized mixing. Try running the key outputs through lower bandwidth audio modules or Triple Video Multi Filter (upcoming module at this time) to soften the keys before mixing them.

kultbox

lizlarsen · Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:44 am Post subject:

Here's an elaboration on the Sweeping Diagonal Sync Generator patch above, this time using two Video Waveform Generators, a second Triple Video Fader & Key Generator, and some external modulation via MakeNoise MATHS. I've got a video I recorded, I'll post later today.

numan7 · Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:56 am Post subject:

Thanks for this thread! These are exectly what is needed to help get one's brain around the mighty, mighty TVFKG, which still intimidates me somewhat due to its sheer awesomeness!

I think I will be using the 8 Key Colorizer Mega-Patch a lot in upcoming videos!

cheers,
7n7

lizlarsen · Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:06 pm Post subject:

Awesome! I'll keep adding when I can. I try to patch up something new every night and I'm going to try to record and document patches better.
Here's the clip from the patch detailed in my last post:

lizlarsen · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 9:36 am Post subject:

Vector Monitor Driving Matrix

In this patch, a matrix is set up between 2 ramps (1 horizontal, 1 vertical), monochrome video and 3 outputs going to a vector/XY monitor or oscilloscope: X, Y & Z. Not that depending on the monitor, some voltages will need to be scaled up to a higher voltage range -- Voltage Bridge can help with this.

In a default configuration, replicating a raster display, knobs A1, B2, and C3 are turned fully clockwise. Adjusting C1 and C2 will produce the "Rutt-Etra" 3D effect, that is, brightness-to-position mapping. Adjusting other components of the mix and summing in various modulation signals from video oscillators, audio, LFOs, etc. will allow further manipulation of the vector image. Extending the patch to incorporate crossfading and VCAs (via the Triple Video Fader & Key Generator module) will allow more complex modulation as well.

Typcially the vector image will be rescanned by a separate camera and either recorded, or fed back into a larger system and colorized as part of a larger patch.

nihilist · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 5:42 pm Post subject:

lizlarsen · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 5:45 pm Post subject:

You need a CRT scope and it depends on the model. I have a rough guide along with a couple tested models, and the ideal specs to look for in a scope here:
http://lzxindustries.net/wiki/index.php?title=Oscilloscopes_%26_Vector _monitors

Hopefully other users will post notes on what scopes they've used here. They're all going to respond differently, but most will do the job. I am really liking my Tektronix 620.

spaceship · Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 4:47 pm Post subject:

Great thread! we're not worthy

jjr · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 12:08 am Post subject:

this thread rules !

lizlarsen · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 1:23 am Post subject:

Finally a new patch.

The real trick behind this patch is using Ramps and Video Blending Matrix only, to create two triangle Ramps which can be positioned anywhere on the display. With X & Y control inputs, you could do sweeping, rotational motion, too. You can see it in action in the below video @ 4:30.

The patch works by taking two sawtooth ramps into VBM (-n) and applying a positive bias or CV onto the same channels. This creates a sawtooth-to-triangle waveshaper with a sweepable crossover point, yet linear slopes. Modulating the H ramp will control the X position and modulating the V ramp will control the Y position.

After the two ramps are created, they are faded together using TVFKG, and then the fade out is then key'ed out in a classic shape generator arrangement giving us additional CV control over H/V mix and shape size.

And then for fun I'm taking the resulting key into Triple Video Multimode Filter for outline extraction and filtering for colorization.

As I said though, the real trick here is in the Ramps/VBM patch -- lots more you can do with that building block!

Matos · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 2:31 am Post subject:

amazing. Some great stuff you coaxed out from that patch. Will try tomorrow. Thanks for sharing both this patch and your modules.

Arturo00 · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:14 am Post subject:

Shit. That's a wonderful patch. My mind is constantly blown by this stuff! Been experimenting with my Video Ramps lately. so simple, but they add so much to my system.

CANNOT wait to get the VBM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MrDys · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:14 am Post subject:

I'm actually more interested in the patch in the first couple minutes of the video...

giorgio · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:33 am Post subject:

how many VWGs did that first patch take? also could be made using ramps for some of it?? or maybe a filter that is feeding back?